Ken Smith/Turnagain Times
The C-17 Globemaster IIIs, assigned to and operated by the 517th Airlift Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, were flying a training mission over Turnagain Arm Sept. 19.
By Bianca Durrant
Turnagain Times Hope Correspondent
Library plans fall projects
There is still time to pick up a copy of “The Shack” by William P. Young at the library and attend the Book Club discussion of the novel on Oct. 13 at 5 p.m.
The novel narrates a bereaved father's experience talking with God (in the form of an African-American woman) in the same shack where his daughter was murdered. The book is categorized as theological fiction but, judging by reviews, it resonates with a wide-ranging audience. Is there a better season for reading reflective books than autumn?
The library is looking forward to getting some fall projects completed. Everyone will enjoy the new porch extension being added. There is also a wood box being built next to the porch which should thrill those volunteers stoking a fire on a winter's day. Speaking of cozy fires, the library is in need of wood for the winter. The addition of wood heat on the days that the library is open makes a tremendous difference in the fuel bill.
If you would like to help out, there is an empty wood shed behind the gift shop, which could be filled, by some wonderful wood fairy, or lumberjack. The library has new hours. It will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Palmer Creek Road Management continues with roadwork
The Chugach National Forest has been reconditioning Palmer Creek Road for six miles past the Coeur D'Alene campground. They are bringing the road up to grade for better drainage. They have also implemented bollards in the existing pullouts to discourage drivers from taking their vehicles off-road and destroying the alpine vegetation.
This project comes on the heels of the upgrades that Coeur D'Alene campground received this summer. All of the campgrounds' picnic tables and fire rings were replaced. This may seem like a lot of activity for our quiet road but John Eavis of Chugach National Forest reassured Hope Happenings that CNF is, “Not looking to change the character of the area, we are mainly trying to manage existing use to protect the alpine environment.”
The roadwork should wrap up in the next couple of weeks, according to Mr. Eavis, but in the meanwhile, all pedestrians should keep a sharp eye on the road when strolling. Hope Happenings has received reports of big trucks cruising down Palmer Creek at not-so-prudent speeds. Mr. Eavis also mentioned that in the near future CNF will be removing fuels from Palmer Creek Road. Stay tuned for further details.
Hope Chamber of Commerce meets October 3
The Hope Chamber of Commerce will convene Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. in the library. A Treasurer's report will be presented and there will be discussion of winter and spring projects.
New roadways open
Robbie and Willie Davidson are the contractors responsible for the new subdivision roads in Hope. It has been fascinating for locals to watch the birth of these roadways, from inception to completion. The finished result is a couple of very smooth looking roads.
The Davidsons put in some long hours to create Matheson Road, off of the Hope Highway, and extend Discovery Drive to loop into Resurrection Road. The roads project was administered by Paul Voeller, with KPB Land Management. Thanks for a job well done guys.
Upcoming school events include Picture Day
October 5 is school Picture Day. Siblings are also welcome to have their picture taken. Forms will be at the front desk. The next PTA meeting will take place Oct. 13.
Bear Creek Lodge starts new winter hours
Bowman's Bear Creek Lodge has new winter hours. They are now open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Check out the Bear Creek if you like quaint surroundings and absolutely delicious food. Too tired to drive home? No problem, crash out in one of their cabins and enjoy a peaceful night's rest.
Food Bank open
Tom and Joyce Burgin facilitate a community food bank for residents in need. The food bank is at the Hope Christian Church and it is formally open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. If you are a resident needing to use the food bank outside of the regular hours, please contact Tom or Joyce at 782-1002.
